The Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Monday declared that it will not take part in discussions with the High-Powered Committee of the Union Home Ministry until peace and normalcy are restored in Ladakh.
“At this moment, looking at the prevailing situation in Ladakh, we have unanimously decided that as long as peace is not restored, we will not join any talks,” said LAB Chairman Thupstan Chhewang while addressing a press conference in Leh.
The decision comes in the wake of widespread violence on September 24, during a shutdown called by LAB to press its demands for statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The protests turned deadly, leaving four people dead, dozens injured. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, a key leader of the movement, was also detained under the National Security Act (NSA).(KINS)
